Hailey Baldwin Reflection Paper Bend Research Fieldtrip
My knowledge of Bend Research was minimal before visiting on a fieldtrip. As I rode in the car watching the mixed agricultural landscape and private homes fly by I began to wonder about the odd placement of this research lab. My curiosity continued to grow as I realized that I had been to an official lab and definitely not one that had horses and 3 car garages as neighbors. Taking a sharp right indicated by the Bend Research Inc. sign, we pulled down a long drive and parked outside what looked like a multi-winged ranch style house. The quick introduction took place in a small cozy reception area with a glowing fish tank. Then just like a light switch the tour began and the Bend portion of the title faded as the Research portion became evident.
At the start of the tour I was overwhelmed by the mass and specialization of foreign looking high tech equipment. But, as I listened to the descriptions of procedures conducted in each lab, familiar terms and techniques rolled off the guide’s tongue easing my confusion. It was at this point I began to understand how applicable and relevant the skills of Organic chemistry even at the college level could be. Getting to see similar equipment and relating some of the procedures at Bend Research Inc to my own chemistry experience felt rewarding.
It was eye opening to learn about Bend Research’s part as a pharmaceutical and health science innovator. As a leader in the development in drugs and drug delivery Bend Research is making advancements that will affect future populations. As an individual seeking a career the medical profession I found the details, length of time and expense of drug development intriguing. Understanding the amount of time and energy Bend Research’s dedicates to the pre-clinical and clinical phases helped to demystify some of the workings of the pharmaceutical industry.
I found the diversity of technical personnel employed by Bend Research interesting. I had assumed that the majority of personnel working in the lab would have studied chemistry or biology. I had not considered the importance of engineers especially in the area of equipment design and maintenance of equipment sterilization.
In summary, I truly enjoyed seeing how organic chemistry is used within a professional pharmaceutical development lab. It was not only fun to realize the connections to my own chemistry experience, but also pleasantly surprising to tour a high tech facility in such a unique rural setting.
Before moving here and getting to know BRI, I too didn't really realize the importance of engineers in the pharmaceutical industry. It also is really apparent there that day-to-day problems are often solved by teams of people with diverse backgrounds. Each bring their own expertise, and the work is truly collaborative.
I'm glad you had a great time! I like your reflection paper, it is nicely written. Carol
Reflection Paper
Bend Research Fieldtrip
My knowledge of Bend Research was minimal before visiting on a fieldtrip. As I rode in the car watching the mixed agricultural landscape and private homes fly by I began to wonder about the odd placement of this research lab. My curiosity continued to grow as I realized that I had been to an official lab and definitely not one that had horses and 3 car garages as neighbors. Taking a sharp right indicated by the Bend Research Inc. sign, we pulled down a long drive and parked outside what looked like a multi-winged ranch style house. The quick introduction took place in a small cozy reception area with a glowing fish tank. Then just like a light switch the tour began and the Bend portion of the title faded as the Research portion became evident.
At the start of the tour I was overwhelmed by the mass and specialization of foreign looking high tech equipment. But, as I listened to the descriptions of procedures conducted in each lab, familiar terms and techniques rolled off the guide’s tongue easing my confusion. It was at this point I began to understand how applicable and relevant the skills of Organic chemistry even at the college level could be. Getting to see similar equipment and relating some of the procedures at Bend Research Inc to my own chemistry experience felt rewarding.
It was eye opening to learn about Bend Research’s part as a pharmaceutical and health science innovator. As a leader in the development in drugs and drug delivery Bend Research is making advancements that will affect future populations. As an individual seeking a career the medical profession I found the details, length of time and expense of drug development intriguing. Understanding the amount of time and energy Bend Research’s dedicates to the pre-clinical and clinical phases helped to demystify some of the workings of the pharmaceutical industry.
I found the diversity of technical personnel employed by Bend Research interesting. I had assumed that the majority of personnel working in the lab would have studied chemistry or biology. I had not considered the importance of engineers especially in the area of equipment design and maintenance of equipment sterilization.
In summary, I truly enjoyed seeing how organic chemistry is used within a professional pharmaceutical development lab. It was not only fun to realize the connections to my own chemistry experience, but also pleasantly surprising to tour a high tech facility in such a unique rural setting.
Before moving here and getting to know BRI, I too didn't really realize the importance of engineers in the pharmaceutical industry. It also is really apparent there that day-to-day problems are often solved by teams of people with diverse backgrounds. Each bring their own expertise, and the work is truly collaborative.
I'm glad you had a great time! I like your reflection paper, it is nicely written.
Carol